O'Brien's Tower

O'Brien's Tower marks the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland. It is located a short distance from the villages Doolin and Liscannor.

O'Brien's Tower
Túr Uí Bhriain
O'Brien's Tower
General information
Status	in use
Type	Observation tower
Location	Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Liscannor, Ireland
Coordinates	52°58′22.84″N 9°25′49.93″W
Elevation	188 m (617 ft)
Named for	Cornelius O'Brien
Opened	1835; 190 years ago (1835)
Client	Cornelius O'Brien
Technical details
Material	limestone
Floor count	3

History

The tower was built on the cliffs in 1835 by local landlord and MP Cornelius O'Brien as an observation tower for the tourists who frequented the cliffs at the time: "strangers visiting the Magnificent Scenery of this neighbourhood". It is said to have initially served as a teahouse, featuring a large round table with seats of ironwork.^[1]: 29

On a clear day the view can extend as far as Loop Head at the southern tip of Clare and beyond to the mountains of Kerry. Looking north, the Twelve Bens in Connemara (also known as the Twelve Pins) beyond Galway Bay can be seen, and typically the Aran Islands to the west.

O'Briens Tower is just visible in this panoramic view of the Cliffs of Moher.

The plateau where the tower is located, fenced off to discourage potentially dangerous hiking.